Chapter 451

451
If that Arressto turncoat ended up with the Wolfshade Syndicate , that would make things interesting .
Owen nodded . “ Let’s keep this to us and see what we can find out .”
“ All done , ” Owen said .
Owen finished applying the ointment , then paused to pick up the wet wipe Aria had set out earlier and carefully wiped the residue from his fingertips .
Aria tugged at her shoulder strap and said casually , “ Thanks . ”
Still half – kneeling on the bed , Aria was just about to get off when Owen suddenly caught her hand and gave it a gentle tug . Off balance , she stumbled , and before she knew it , landed right in his lap .
Owen had only meant to stop her from saying “ thanks “ -never expecting to pull her right into his arms .
Aria’s eyebrows shot up . “ What , what do you think you’re doing ? ”
Owen pulled her closer , resting his chin on her shoulder . “ I’ll do this for you everyday , okay ? ”
“ Oh , ” Aria said , patting his back . “ Got it . Time for bed . We need to take Lily to her exam tomorrow . ”
“ Mm – hmm , ” he still held on . “ You’re way too thin – you really should eat more . ”
Aria shrugged and said , “ This is healthy thin .”
Owen shook his head and insisted , “ Still too skinny , though . ”
Her phone buzzed . Aria couldn’t be bothered to argue and nudged him aside . “ Let me get that , ” she said .
Aria thought Owen would let her go , but instead , he kept holding her . Leaning forward with her still in his arms , he grabbed the
his hold on her waist , and said , with a hint of jealousy , “ It’s your dear Vanessa calling . ”
There was a subtle hint of jealousy in his voice .
Aria just stared at him , speechless .
Aria took the phone and answered in a soft voice , “ Hey , what’s up ? ”
Vanessa’s frustrated voice came through the phone . “ Aria , guess what ? I just bumped into my ex . ”
slightly loosened
Aria was just about to give Owen a look , hinting for him to leave , but before she could , he was already covering his ears with an exaggeratedly innocent expression .
Aria stifled a laugh and averted her gaze . “ That guy you told me about during our last Truth or Dare ? ”
“ Yes ! ” Vanessa groaned . “ And guess what the very first thing he said was ? ”
“ Can you believe it ? He actually said I’d gotten smaller ! ” Vanessa exclaimed .
Aria looked puzzled . “ Isn’t that just him showing concern ? Why did that get you so worked up ? ”
Vanessa snapped , “ That’s not concern – that’s an insult ! Anyone else says it , fine . But from an ex or current boyfriend ? Totally another thing . ”
Aria instinctively glanced at Owen and asked , “ What’s that supposed to mean ? ”
Vanessa explained , “ He’s implying my boobs are smaller . ”
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09:43 Tue , 24 Jun
451
As a woman , Aria knew exactly what Vanessa meant .
Aria arched an eyebrow , giving Owen a strange look . ‘ He couldn’t possibly mean that … right ? ‘
Aria glanced down .
Owen , not understanding why , instinctively followed her gaze – only to realize his mistake a second too late . He jerked his head back up , abruptly meeting Aria’s eyes , caught off guard .
An awkward silence hung in the air .
Aria reached up and gave Owen a light smack on the cheek – just enough to make a crisp slapping sound .
Owen clenched his jaw , his eyes full of guilt as he murmured , ‘ My bad . ‘
He really didn’t mean to .
Vanessa asked , “ What was that ? ”
Aria said casually , “ Nothing , just swatting a fly . What happened after that ? ”
Vanessa couldn’t help but burst out laughing . “ Then I gave him a once – over and said with a smirk , ‘ At least I can gain weight and grow bigger – but you’ll never grow longer ! ‘ He was absolutely livid . ”
Since the rest of the story was a bit too much for someone as innocent as Aria , Vanessa decided to spare her the racier parts .
Vanessa just wanted to piss off her ex . With a smirk , she ended the conversation . Out of all the men I’ve slept with , you were the worst in bed . ” That scored her the first win .
After a few more minutes of girl talk , Aria and Vanessa finally said their goodbyes and hung up ,
Owen uncovered his ears , took her hand and pressed it to his cheek , giving her his best puppy – dog eyes . “ I messed up . Go ahead , hit me , ” he said .
Aria withdrew her hand . “ You’re acting kinda weird . ”
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